Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly of a vehicle is provided. The energy absorbing device includes tear initiation grooves having offset tear initiation points, such that tearing is initiated in the grooves at different points in time, thus balancing loads experienced during a frontal crash and collapse of the steering column assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a housing. A column gear is positioned within the housing and adapted to be coupled to a steering column, and the column gear has a first diameter, rotates about a first axis, and has teeth along its perimeter. A steering wheel gear is positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the column gear and adapted to be coupled to a steering wheel; the steering wheel gear has a second diameter, rotates about a stationary hub having a second axis, and has teeth along its perimeter. A transfer gear is positioned within the housing. The transfer gear rotates about a third axis, has teeth along its perimeter, and is positioned so that the teeth of the transfer gear engage the teeth of the column gear and the teeth of the steering wheel gear.

Abstract: Driver-side knee airbags, for vehicles, are described herein. One airbag has at least one cushion pack. Each cushion pack has an airbag cushion to be deployed. The airbag has an inflator. The inflator is outside of and coupled to the cushion pack, and is for inflating the airbag cushion. The cushion pack is dimensioned to be positioned below the steering column of the vehicle. Another airbag has a single cushion pack. The single cushion pack has a single airbag cushion to deploy. An inflator is inside the single airbag cushion. The single cushion pack is dimensioned to mount in a vertical orientation offset to one side of the steering column of the vehicle. In multiple versions of the airbag, an inflator is dimensioned to mount offset to one side of the steering column of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a housing. A column gear is positioned within the housing and adapted to be coupled to a steering column, and the column gear has a first diameter, rotates about a first axis, and has teeth along its perimeter. A steering wheel gear is positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the column gear and adapted to be coupled to a steering wheel; the steering wheel gear has a second diameter, rotates about a stationary hub having a second axis, and has teeth along its perimeter. A transfer gear is positioned within the housing. The transfer gear rotates about a third axis, has teeth along its perimeter, and is positioned so that the teeth of the transfer gear engage the teeth of the column gear and the teeth of the steering wheel gear.